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Limitations of Fire Alarms
Multi-Sensor Fire / Smoke / Heat Alarms can significantly help to reduce the risk of fire fatalities.
However independent authorities have stated that these systems may be ineffective in some fire
situations. There are a number of reasons for this:
- The Alarms will not work if the mains power supply is off or disconnected and the backup battery
is depleted. Test regularly to ensure the power supply is functioning as required.
- The Alarms will not detect fire if sufficient heat/smoke does not reach the Alarms. Heat/smoke
may be prevented from reaching the Alarm if the fire is too far away, for example, if the fire is on
another floor, behind a closed door, in a chimney, in a wall cavity, or if the prevailing air drafts carry
the heat/smoke away. Installing Heat Alarms and Smoke Alarms on both sides of closed doors and
throughout the house or premises as recommended in this leaflet will very significantly improve the
probability of early detection.
- The Alarms may not be heard. An Alarm may not wake a person who has taken drugs or alcohol.
- The Alarms may not detect every type of fire to give sufficient early warning.
- The Alarms don’t last indefinitely. The manufacturer recommends regular monthly testing and
replacement after, at most, 10 years, as a precaution.
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